Cranioplasty

This reconstructive surgical procedure is performed to correct congenital problems of the skull, or to repair the skull after a traumatic injury or medical procedure. During the procedure, a custom plate made from porous plastic or titanium is fitted over the defect in the skull, restoring the skull to its normal shape.

Implants for Cranioplasty

Most implants for craniotomy are custom-formed for the patient using special plastic or hardened titanium. A volumetric computed topography (CT) scan is first made of the patient's skull, and a virtual composite of the implant is created using 3-D computer modeling. This computer composite is then used to craft the custom implant, which will precisely match the shape of the defect in the skull.

The implant is inserted through an incision in the scalp. It is positioned over the defect and secured to the surrounding bone with screws or plates.